Arsenal defender edging closer to Barcelona move – report | OneFootball

Barcelona could be poised to welcome former La Masia defender Hector Bellerin from Arsenal in the ongoing transfer window, reports SPORT.

The 27-year-old left the Catalan giants’ academy in 2011 to join Arsenal and became their first-choice right-back starting from 2014. However, he has fallen down the pecking order over the past couple of seasons under Mikel Arteta, following a knee injury in 2019.

Bellerin spent the last season on loan at La Liga club Real Betis and helped them win the Copa del Rey. A return to Estadio Benito Villamarin is something that the player desires while Los Verdiblancos are also keen on a permanent move, but it has not materialised due to the club’s financial problems.

But Bellerin does not have a future at Arsenal, who are keen on cashing in on the Spaniard as his contract stands to expire next year. And Barcelona could now offer their former academy ace an escape route before the transfer window closes.

It is no secret that the Catalans are in the market for a new right-back as manager Xavi Hernandez does not favour Sergino Dest, who is likely to be sold this summer.

Barça have other targets such as Juan Foyth of Villarreal and Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund on their shortlist. But moves for either of them could prove tricky as the former will cost in excess of €40 million while the latter might not be allowed to leave Dortmund.

Hence, Bellerin has been identified as an alternative and given the complications in signing either Foyth or Meunier, the 27-year-old is now being eyed as the favourable option at Camp Nou.

The Spanish international enjoyed a solid season with Real Betis in 2021/22 and is someone who knows the Barcelona philosophy well, having spent time at La Masia. His contract situation would also make him an economically feasible target for the Blaugrana.